"Private Practice" fans, say goodbye to Pete Wilder.
Tim Daly announced to his fans today that he will not be returning to the show for the upcoming Season 6 -- but it wasn't his decision. Zap2it has confirmed that he will be bowing out, though ABC does not comment on talent contracts.

"Wonderful fans of PPP," he
tweeted on Wednesday. "Shonda informed my agent today that Pete wont be returning for season 6. It was a great 5 yrs. R.I.P. Pete Wilder."

Ouch. Not only was he fired, but boss
Shonda Rhimes didn't even call him personally to let him know? That's got to hurt -- but it's
not the first time there's been tension reported in the "Private Practice" family.

When we last saw Pete, he had just been released on bail after spending time in jail for taking his patient, Troy, off of life support. He had no regrets about his decision; even while behind bars, he stubbornly insisted that he did right by Troy. In the end, Pete and Violet (and baby Lucas) were reunited, but his future remained uncertain.

There's no word yet as to how Pete's absence will be explained, but a conviction would be our best guess. "Private Practice," which was unexpectedly renewed despite declining ratings, will return to ABC this fall on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. EST, after ABC's two-hour Tuesday comedy block.

What do you think about Daly leaving the show? Will you still tune in?